Measurement of serum lipoproteins

ABSTRACT

Although a more accurate estimate of a person&#39;s risk of cardiovascular disease can be made on the basis of the number of lipoprotein particles per unit volume in the person&#39;s blood, current methods all rely on measuring the mass of lipoprotein cholesterol per unit volume. It has been discovered that a rapid and accurate lipoprotein particle count can be obtained by photometry. A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the number of lipoprotein particles in a sample using photometry.

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.13/842,577, filed Mar. 15, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,239,280, issuedJan. 19, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional applicationNo. 61/660,710, filed Jun. 16, 2012.

BACKGROUND

The measurement of blood lipoproteins is critical in predicting anindividual's risk of many chronic diseases, particularly cardiovasculardisease. Previously methods of measuring serum lipoproteins were onlycapable of determining the concentration of the lipoproteins in terms ofmass of lipoprotein cholesterol per volume of serum. It has beendiscovered that a much more accurate predictor of cardiovascular diseaseis the number of lipoprotein particles per unit volume of blood(referred to herein as the “particle count”). However, at present thereis no practical method of obtaining the particle count of lipoproteinsthat is suitable for use in the clinical setting. Lipoprotein particlecounts are currently obtained using nuclear magnetic resonancetechniques, but this approach is extremely expensive, of limitedavailability, and is not effective to enumerate certain lipoproteins,such as lipoprotein A. As a result it is not suitable for mass screeningof patient populations.

Consequently, there is a long-felt but unmet need in the art for amethod of enumerating serum lipoprotein particles, but which can beperformed inexpensively in the clinical context, and which has theability to enumerate particles of all significant types of lipoprotein.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. Thissummary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify keyor critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplifiedform as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presentedlater.

The disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for enumeratinglipoprotein particles in blood serum photometrically. It has beenunexpectedly discovered that photometric measurements of lipoproteins inblood serum provide a rapid, inexpensive, and accurate count oflipoprotein particles. It has also been discovered that photometricmeasurement can be used effectively to count lipoprotein particles inparticular lipoprotein fractions after relatively incomplete separationof the fractions, such as by density-gradient centrifugation. Lightscattering measurements have been found to strongly correlate withlipoprotein particle count and to be robust in the presence ofinterfering serum components.

A general embodiment of the method comprises obtaining a photometricmeasurement of a serum lipid fraction from a subject; and calculating aparticle count for the lipid fraction that is a function of thephotometric measurement.

Another general embodiment of the method comprises separating a firstserum lipid fraction in a sample; obtaining a measurement of lightscattering in the first lipid fraction; and calculating a particle countfor the first lipid fraction that is a function of the measurement oflight scattering.

A more particular embodiment of the method comprises separating at leastan HDL fraction, an LDL fraction, and a VLDL fraction in a sample;obtaining a measurement of the light scattering from at least one of thefractions; and calculating a particle count for each of the fractionsfrom which a light scattering measurement was obtained, wherein theparticle count is a function of the measurement of light scattering.

The method may further comprise separating additional fractions inaddition to an HDL fraction, a lipoprotein A (LpA) fraction, an LDLfraction, and a VLDL fraction in a sample; obtaining a measurement ofthe light scattering from at least one of the fractions; and calculatinga particle count for each of the fractions from which a light scatteringmeasurement was obtained, wherein the particle count is a function ofthe measurement of light scattering.

In one embodiment, the method comprises separating at least an HDLfraction, a lipoprotein A (LpA) fraction, an LDL fraction, and a VLDLfraction in a sample; obtaining a measurement of the light scatteringfrom at least one of the fractions; and calculating a particle count foreach of the fractions from which a light scattering measurement wasobtained, wherein the particle count is a function of the measurement oflight scattering.

In one embodiment, the method comprises separating at least an HDLfraction, a lipoprotein A (LpA) fraction, an LDL fraction, anintermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) fraction and a VLDL fraction in asample; obtaining a measurement of the light scattering from at leastone of the fractions; and calculating a particle count for each of thefractions from which a light scattering measurement was obtained,wherein the particle count is a function of the measurement of lightscattering.

In one aspect of the foregoing methods, a particle count is obtained forthe LDL fraction. In one aspect of the foregoing methods, a particlecount is obtained for the LDL fraction and at least one additionalfraction. In one aspect of the foregoing methods, a particle count isobtained for the VLDL fraction. In one aspect of the foregoing methods,a particle count is obtained for the IDL fraction. In one aspect of theforegoing methods, a particle count is obtained for the LpA fraction.

An apparatus for obtaining a lipoprotein particle count from a sample isprovided. A general embodiment of the apparatus comprises means forcontaining a liquid sample having vertically stratified fractions; meansfor conveying the lowest stratified fraction from the containing means;and means for counting particles configured to receive the loweststratified fraction from the containing means by way of the conveyingmeans. Another general embodiment of the apparatus comprises a samplevessel containing the sample; a liquid conduit positioned to collect thesample from the bottom of the sample vessel; and a light scatteringcounter positioned to receive the sample from the conduit.

Also provided is a method of calibrating the measurement of particlecount of an atherogenic lipoprotein comprising obtaining a photometricmeasurement of an atherogenic lipoprotein from a calibration sample,measuring the molar concentration of apolipoprotein B100 (apoB) in thecalibration sample, and calculating a regression between the photometricmeasurement and the molar concentration of apoB.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: A schematic illustration of an embodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 2: A normal lipoprotein profile produced by an embodiment of themethod using an embodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 3: A high-LDL lipoprotein profile produced by the same embodimentof the method and apparatus as in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4: A high-LpA lipoprotein profile produced by the same embodimentof the method and apparatus as in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5: A high-IDL lipoprotein profile produced by the same embodimentof the method and apparatus as in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6: A calibration curve showing the relationship between peak areain the LDL fraction obtained by measuring light scattering (in units ofvolt-minutes) and mass of apoB in a 37.3 .mu·L serum sample.

FIG. 7: A graph illustrating the agreement between apoB concentration asmeasured by immunological techniques (horizontal axis) and LDL particlecount as measured by light scattering.

FIG. 8: A de-convoluted normal lipid profile.

FIG. 9: A de-convoluted high-LDL lipid profile.

FIG. 10: A de-convoluted high-LpA lipid profile.

FIG. 11: A de-convoluted high-IDL lipid profile.

FIG. 12: An illustration of potential interfering serum components indensity fractions of serum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. Definitions

With reference to the use of the word(s) “comprise” or “comprises” or“comprising” in the foregoing description and/or in the followingclaims, unless the context requires otherwise, those words are used onthe basis and clear understanding that they are to be interpretedinclusively, rather than exclusively, and that each of those words is tobe so interpreted in construing the foregoing description and/or thefollowing claims.

The term “individual”, “subject” or “patient” as used herein refers toany animal, including mammals, such as mice, rats, other rodents,rabbits, dogs, cats, swine, cattle, sheep, horses, or primates, andhumans. The term may specify male or female or both, or exclude male orfemale.

The term “about” as used herein refers to a value that is within a rangearound a central value, the range being a margin of error that would beexpected by one of ordinary skill in the art based on accepted methodsof measurement of the particular central value.

The terms “approximate” and “approximately” as used herein refer to adifference between an actual relationship between two variables and acalculated regression between the two variables that is relativelyminor. For example, such a relationship with a variance above 0.5 orbelow −0.5 could be said to approximate the calculated regression.

B. Methods of Measuring Lipoproteins

Methods of measuring lipoprotein particle number in a sample from asubject are provided. A general embodiment of the method comprisesobtaining a photometric measurement of a serum lipid fraction from asubject; and calculating a particle count for the lipid fraction that isa function of the photometric measurement.

Another general embodiment of the method comprises separating a firstlipid fraction in a sample; obtaining a measurement of light scatteringin the first lipid fraction; and calculating a particle count for thefirst lipid fraction that is a function of the measurement of lightscattering.

Such a method may also comprise separating a second, third to n.sup.thlipid fraction in a sample; obtaining a measurement of light scatteringfor at least one of the fractions; and calculating a particle count atleast one of the fractions, wherein the particle count is a function ofthe measurement of light scattering.

The additional lipoprotein fractions may be fractions based on density.For example, the first fraction and the additional fraction may beindependently selected from the group consisting of: HDL, LpA, LDL, IDL,and VLDL. As explained herein, the approximately linear functions oflight scattering to particle count may differ depending on the fractionbeing counted.

A more particular embodiment of the method comprises separating at leastan HDL fraction, an LDL fraction, and a VLDL fraction in a sample;obtaining a measurement of the light scattering from at least one of thefractions; and calculating a particle count for each of the fractionsfrom which a light scattering measurement was obtained, wherein theparticle count is a function of the measurement of light scattering.

The method may further comprise separating additional fractions inaddition to an HDL fraction, an LDL fraction, and a VLDL fraction in asample; obtaining a measurement of the light scattering from at leastone of the fractions; and calculating a particle count for each of thefractions from which a light scattering measurement was obtained,wherein the particle count is a function of the measurement of lightscattering.

In one embodiment, the method comprises separating at least an HDLfraction, a lipoprotein A (LpA) fraction, an LDL fraction, and a VLDLfraction in a sample; obtaining a measurement of the light scatteringfrom at least one of the fractions; and calculating a particle count foreach of the fractions front which a light scattering measurement wasobtained, wherein the particle count is a function of the measurement oflight scattering.

In one embodiment, the method comprises separating at least an HDLfraction, a lipoprotein A (LpA) fraction, an LDL fraction, anintermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) fraction and a VLDL fraction in asample; obtaining a measurement of the light scattering from at leastone of the fractions; and calculating a particle count for each of thefractions from which a light scattering measurement was obtained,wherein the particle count is a function of the measurement of lightscattering.

In one aspect of the foregoing methods, a particle count is obtained forthe LDL fraction. In one aspect of the foregoing methods, a particlecount is obtained for the LDL fraction and at least one additionalfraction. In one aspect of the foregoing methods, a particle count isobtained for the VLDL fraction. In one aspect of the foregoing methods,a particle count is obtained for the IDL fraction. In one aspect of theforegoing methods, a particle count is obtained for the LpA fraction.

In another embodiment of the method, only atherogenic lipoproteins arecounted. Such an embodiment will comprise obtaining a measurement oflight scattering from at least one atherogenic lipoprotein fraction andcalculating a particle count for each of the atherogenic lipoproteinfractions from which a light scattering measurement was obtained,wherein the particle count is a function of the measurement of lightscattering. The atherogenic lipoprotein may be selected from the groupconsisting of: LpA, LDL, IDL, and VLDL. In a specific embodiment theatherogenic lipoprotein is LDL. In another specific embodiment theatherogenic lipoprotein is LpA. Lipoprotein A is known to being stronglypredictive of cardiovascular disease, yet there are very few methods bywhich LpA can be easily and accurately measured in serum samples.

The following is relevant to the methods described herein.

The subject may be any animal having serum lipoproteins to be measured.In the clinical setting the subject will often be a human patient,although it is conceivable that the subject will be a non-human animalin the veterinary setting. The subject may be human or non-human animalin the research setting. The animal in the research setting may be, forexample, any commonly used model organism.

The lipid fraction from the subject will comprise a lipoproteinfraction, such as an HDL fraction, an LpA fraction, an LDL, fraction, anIDL, fraction, and/or a VLDL fraction. The lipid fraction may besubstantially pure such that it will be sufficiently free from othercomponents that could affect the photometric measurement that aquantitative value for the lipid fraction can be obtained.Non-interfering components that do not affect the photometricmeasurement may be present. The fraction will not be completely free ofinterfering components in every embodiment. For example, there may besome amount of another lipoprotein fraction present. In a specificexample, when lipoprotein fractions are fractionated on the basis ofdensity, there may be overlap between adjacent lipoprotein fractions;there may be LpA present in the HDL fraction and the LDL fraction, orthere may be IDL present in the LDL fraction and the VLDL fraction.

In some embodiments of the method, the lipoprotein fraction consistsessentially of serum components. In such embodiments the fractioncontains no additional reagents, dyes, or other substances that may beadded to facilitate measurement. This is possible in such embodimentsbecause, unlike many other methods of quantifying lipoproteins, manyembodiments of the photometric methods disclosed herein do not requirethe addition of reagents, dyes, fluorochromes, or the like. Any suchartificially introduced substances that facilitate measurements arereferred to herein as “analytical reagents.” In some embodiments of themethod the lipoprotein fraction contains no substantial amount ofanalytical reagents, such that any analytical reagents present arepresent in sufficiently low concentrations that they do not affect themeasurements. In other embodiments the lipoprotein fraction contains noanalytical reagent.

The particle count is calculated as a function of the photometricmeasurement. In some embodiments the function is approximately linear.In some embodiments the photometric measurement will be in the form of acurve, typically representing the relationship between run time anddetector levels. Characteristics of such curves that are used toestablish the photometric measurement include peak height and peak area.Peak area is calculated in a variety of ways, most often simply bymultiplying the peak height by half of the distance from trough totrough (as if the peak were a triangle). Software is often provided withmeasuring devices that automatically computes peak area. In cases inwhich two peaks are not completely resolved, “deconvolution”transformations may be performed to determine a poorly resolved peakarea; this involves taking the area of an aggregate peak and subtractingthe contribution of one peak (generally the better resolved peak) todetermine the area of the remaining peak.

Deconvolution is commonly used to resolve small peaks from largeradjacent peaks. In such cases often the smaller peak is only visible asa trough between two larger adjacent peaks, wherein the trough is not asdeep as expected. The process comprises extrapolating the expected areaunder the trough between the larger peaks, subtracting the expected areaof the trough from the actual area of the actual trough, wherein thedifference in areas is the area under the smaller peak.

Examples of small lipoprotein peaks calculated by deconvolution areshown in FIGS. 8-11. The heavy black line shows actual light scatteringvalues. The thinner lines show extrapolated peaks for each of thefractions (from left to right: HDL, LpA, LDL, IDL and VLDL). The shadedpeak is the IDL peak, calculated by deconvolution of the LDL and VLDLpeaks. The peak marked with horizontal hash lines is the LpA peak,calculated by deconvolution of the HDL and LDL peaks.

Light scattering has been discovered to effectively enumeratelipoprotein particles after only crude separation of lipoproteinfractions and without the use of additional reagents or dyes. In aspecific embodiment the photometric measurement is light scattering.Light scattering may be measured over any detection arc, for example360°, 180°; 90°, or 45°. In a specific embodiment light scattering ismeasured over a 90° detection arc.

The separation of the lipoprotein fraction may be accomplished by anymeans known in the art. The use of density-gradient centrifugation is aparticularly useful approach to separating lipoprotein fractions fromblood serum; it is simple, fast, inexpensive, and can be performed onnumerous samples simultaneously. The density gradient may be created ina number of ways. For example, potassium bromide can be used to create asuitable gradient for lipoprotein separation. Potassium bromide may beused, for example, at a concentration of 1.21 g/mL. Other commonly useddensity gradient materials include cesium chloride, sucrose, andcolloidal silica particles coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (such as theproduct sold as Percoll™). Any density gradient solution known in theart to create the required density range may be used. Centrifugationwill be performed in an appropriate vessel, such as a centrifuge tube. Avariety of suitable centrifuge tubes are commercially available, forexample from Beckman-Coulter, of Brea, Calif. In a specific embodimentseparation is achieved using a single spin.

Light scattering can be measured by various means known in the art. In aparticular embodiment, light scattering is measured using a laser lightscattering detector. The detector may be a fixed-angle detector or amulti-angle detector. For a lipoprotein particle of a given type theamount of light scattering is approximately proportional to the numberof particles per unit volume. Typically scattering is measured over aset arc, for example 360°, 180°, 90°, or 45°. In a specific embodimentlight scattering is measured over a 90° detection arc. The particlecount is an approximately linear function of light scattering, althoughthe functions may differ depending on which lipoprotein fraction isbeing measured. The function can be determined by the calibrationmethods described below.

It is foreseeable that in some instances a linear relationship betweenparticle count and light scattering for a given fraction will be linearonly over a certain range of concentrations, and that above and belowthat certain range the relationship will not be linear. In such cases,when there is an indication that the particle count is outside of therange in which the relationship is linear, the sample may be eitherconcentrated car diluted to obtain a sample with a particle count in thelinear range. The calculation of the particle count will then becorrected for the dilution or concentration of the sample.

Some embodiments of the method comprise measuring the light scatteringof more than one lipoprotein fraction, such that the light scattering ofthe highest density fraction to be measured is measured before theothers. In some such embodiments the light scattering of each fractionis measured in order of descending density. That is to say that thelight scattering of the fractions would be measured in the followingorder, with the understanding that not all of the listed fractions needbe measured: HDL, LpA, LDL, IDL, VLDL. As an illustrative example, ifonly LDL and VLDL are to be measured, LDL would be measured first,followed by VLDL. In a particular embodiment, the sample is prepared bydensity-gradient centrifugation, and the sample is drained from thebottom such that the highest density fractions are collected first andsent to a light scattering counter.

Another embodiment of the method comprises measuring the particle countof a lipoprotein fraction of a sample in any of the apparatusesdisclosed below.

C Apparatus for Quantifying Lipoproteins

An apparatus is provided for quantifying lipoprotein particles in aplurality of serum lipid fractions. The apparatus generally functions bycollecting lipoprotein fractions from a sample one fraction at a timeand transporting each fraction to a light scattering counter. Thecounter then measures the scattered light, which can be used tocalculate the particle count for the fraction.

A general embodiment of the apparatus comprises: a liquid conduitpositioned to collect a sample from a sample vessel; and a lightscattering counter positioned to receive the sample from the conduit. Inone embodiment, the sample is collected from the bottom of the samplevessel.

The sample vessel may be any sample container known in the art. In someembodiments of the apparatus the sample vessel is a centrifuge tube. Theuse of a centrifuge tube has the advantage of using the same vessel forseparation and for sampling. The centrifuge tube may have a bottomsurface that is easily pierced by a sampler. In such embodiments aseptum may be present on the bottom surface or the bottom surface may bea relatively thin structure.

The liquid conduit may be any structure suitable for conveying theliquid in the sample to the light scattering counter. Examples of suchstructures include pipes, tubes, channels, hoses, or any other conduitsuitable for carrying liquid as known in the art. In a specificembodiment, the conduit is 8 mm (internal diameter) Teflon tubing. Inone embodiment, the liquid conduit will be positioned to collect thesample from the bottom of the vessel. This allows the collection ofvertically stratified layers, as will occur when lipoprotein fractionsare separated by density-gradient centrifugation. Some embodiments ofthe liquid conduit comprise a sampler connected to the conduit tofacilitate collection of the sample. In a specific embodiment the liquidconduit is connected to a sampling needle. The sampling needle may bepositioned to penetrate the sample vessel to as to allow the liquid fromthe sample vessel to flow through the needle into the conduit. Thediameter of the tubing may be varied to obtain a suitable flow rate ofsample; the length of the tubing and the relative elevation of thesample vessel and the counter will also affect the flow rate, as isunderstood by those skilled in the art. All of these factors may bevaried as needed.

The light scattering counter may be any suitable instrument, for examplea laser light scattering counter. It may be configured to measurescattered light across any arc, as described above. The counter maycomprise a flow cell, in which case the conduit may be connected to theflow cell so as to allow the liquid from the sample vessel to enter theflow cell wherein its light scattering properties will be measured.

The apparatus may further comprise a pump configured to pump the samplethrough the conduit to the counter. Various types of pumps may be used.In a specific embodiment the pump is a piston pump, which allows goodcontrol over the flow rate of the liquid.

The apparatus may comprise a sensor proximate to the conduit, whereinthe sensor measures a fluid property within the conduit, and whereinsaid fluid property significantly differs in air and in liquid. Thesensor is thus capable of distinguishing air from liquid in the conduit.Properties that can be used to distinguish air from liquid are wellknown in the art, and include thermal conductivity, electricalresistance, optical absorbance, and optical diffraction. Sensors capableof measuring these properties are well known in the art.

If air is detected in the conduit it might indicate that an entiresample has been taken, and that the sample vessel is now empty. In oneembodiment, the sensor transmits a signal to indicate the presence ofair in the conduit. In one embodiment, the sensor may send a signal tothe pump to cease drawing fluid from the sample vessel when air isdetected in the conduit. In some embodiments of the apparatus the sensoris connected to transmit a signal to a valve positioned on the conduit.In such embodiments the sensor may send a signal to close the valve whenair is detected in the conduit.

The apparatus may further comprise a data logger connected to thecounter. The data logger may record the data either digitally ongraphically (i.e., on a paper printout). In embodiments in which thedata are recorded on computer-readable media, the data may be furtherprocessed by a computing device. In some such embodiments the particlecount for the lipoprotein fractions is computed by the computing devicewithout direct human intervention. The resulting particle count may thenbe displayed or recorded. The term “computer-readable media” as usedherein refers to a medium of storing information that is configured tobe read by a machine. Such media include magnetic media, optical media,and paper media (punch cards, paper tape, etc.). Printed writing in ahuman language, if not intended or configured to be read by a machine,is not considered a computer-readable medium. In no case shall a humanmind be construed as “computer-readable format.”

The apparatus may also comprise a filter positioned on the conduitbetween the sample vessel and the counter. The filter functions toremove additional interfering particles. The pore size of the filtermust be greater than the diameter of the lipoprotein to be counted.Ideally the pore size of the filter will be only slightly greater thanthe diameter of the lipoprotein to be counted, although it is to beunderstood that most classes of lipoprotein show a range of sizes.Filters with 100 nm pore size are quite suitable; they are readilyavailable commercially and remove a significant amount of interferingserum components without removing lipoproteins. All lipoproteins, exceptchylomicrons, are less than 100 nm in diameter. Prefiltration may alsobe provided to remove larger particles to enhance the lifespan of a finefilter (such as the 100 μm fine filter described above); for example, a2 μm pore-size filter will effectively remove larger particles.

The apparatus may comprise a reservoir of a cleaning fluid, such thatthe components of the apparatus may be flushed between samples. Thecleaning fluid may be as simple as saline solution, de-ionized water,saline made from filtered de-ionized water, or any of these with theaddition of detergents and surfactants. A specific embodiment of thecleaning fluid is a 40% v/v solution of Cleanz™ in water. The reservoirmay be connected to a cleaning conduit that joins the main conduitbetween the valve and counter (downstream from the sensor and the samplevessel). The reservoir may be positioned above the components to beflushed to impart sufficient hydraulic head to cause the cleaning fluidto flow through the components under the force of gravity. A pump may bepositioned to impart additional hydraulic head pressure to the cleaningfluid. While the valve is open the fluid will flush the end of theconduit positioned to collect the sample. While the valve is closed thefluid will flow through the conduit to the counter.

In one embodiment, the apparatus may be in communication with a controlunit. The control unit is in communication with the various componentsof the apparatus and may receive input from such components and/orcontrol the operation of such components. For example, the control unitmay comprise the data logger, which as described above, receives themeasurements of light scattering obtained from the light scatteringcounter. The control unit may contain executable programs to carry outfunctions associated with the methods described herein. For example, thecontrol unit may comprise an executable file use to deconvolute the datagenerated. Furthermore, the control unit may comprise an executable filethat generates a particle number from the light scattering datameasured. In one aspect, the executable file is or contains an algorithmdescribed herein. In one embodiment, the control unit is a generalpurpose computer. The general purpose computer may be programmed tocarry out the functions described.

In another general embodiment, the apparatus comprises means forcontaining a liquid sample having vertically stratified fractions; meansfor conveying the lowest stratified fraction from the containing means;and means for counting particles configured to receive the loweststratified fraction from the containing means by way of the conveyingmeans. In some embodiments of the apparatus the means for counterparticles are means for measuring light scattering. The apparatus maycomprise means for flushing configured to flush the means for conveyingand to flush the means for counting particles. The apparatus may alsocomprise means for sensing air within the conveying means.

Turning now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the apparatus is presentedcomprising a sampling needle configured to puncture the bottom of asample vessel; a tube having a first end and a second end, the first endconnected to the sampling needle to receive a liquid sample from theneedle; a light scattering counter connected to the second end of thetube and configured to measure light scattering in the sample whenconveyed through the tube; an optical sensor positioned to measure theoptical absorbance in the tube and capable of distinguishing air fromliquid; a primary pump configured to pump the sample from the needlethrough the tube to the counter; a solenoid valve downstream of thesensor and connected to the sensor to receive an electrical signalcausing the valve to close when air is detected by the sensor; and aflush reservoir connected to the tube.

D Method of Calibration

Measurements of particle count of atherogenic lipoproteins may becalibrated by comparing the results of other methods of countingatherogenic lipoprotein particles to photometric data. Apolipoprotein B(apoB) is particularly useful in this regard, as there is only onemolecule of apoB present in a given particle of LpA, LDL, IDL, or VLDL(collectively referred to as “atherogenic lipoproteins”). A method forcalibrating the measurement of a particle count of an atherogeniclipoprotein is provided, the method comprising: obtaining a photometricmeasurement of an atherogenic lipoprotein from a calibration sample;measuring the molar concentration of apoB in the atherogenic lipoproteinfraction of the calibration sample; and calculating a regression betweenthe photometric measurement and the molar concentration of apoB. Theatherogenic lipoprotein may be selected from the group consisting of:LpA, IDL, LDL, and VLDL. The photometric measurement may be anydisclosed above as suitable for determining the particle count oflipoproteins, including the measurement of light scattering. Theregression may be an approximately linear regression, as would beexpected between a measurement of light scattering and the particlecount of a lipoprotein.

The molar concentration of apoB may be measured by various means knownin the art. For example, commercially available immunoassays can be usedto quickly and accurately measure the concentration of apoB in fractionscontaining atherogenic lipoproteins from a sample. Such immunoassays maytake any form in the art, including fluorescent, enzymatic and magneticassays. One suitable assay is the Architect™ system, available fromAbbott Labs.

In many cases more than one calibration measurement will be necessary.Thus, the method may comprise obtaining a photometric measurement of theatherogenic lipoprotein from a second calibration sample; measuring themolar concentration of apoB in the second calibration sample; andcalculating a regression based on the photometric measurement in thecalibration sample, the molar concentration of apoB in the calibrationsample, the photometric measurement in the second calibration sample,and the molar concentration of apoB in the second calibration sample.Additional measurements may be made as discussed above, as necessary toestablish a sound regression.

E Examples

1. Sample Collection and Separation

A fasting blood sample is collected from the subject. Such a sample iscollected as is known in the art, such as in a serum separator tube(SST) or plain red top serum tube. Serum is separated according tostandard procedure and filtered to remove any clots, fibrin and anylarge interfering particles.

In one embodiment, samples are subject to density gradientcentrifugation to separate lipid components. Density gradients wereprepared using either manual pipette and dispensing devices or anautomated liquid handler such as the Tecan Genesis™). Multiple serumsamples may be processed at one time. In one embodiment, a batchconsisting of 16 serum samples is simultaneously prepared using anautomated liquid handler. The following steps were used in the followingexamples:

-   1. Pipette 50 .mu·L serum and mix with 1950 .mu·L of 1.21 g/mL KBr    solution.-   2. Pipette 3.56 mL of 1.006 g/mL, saline solution into a 5 mL    Beckman centrifuge tube.-   3. Slowly underlay 1.4256 ml of above prepared serum:KBr mixture to    prepare a two density layer gradient.

Once the density gradient was prepared, all 16 centrifuge tubes withdensity gradients were placed in a Beckman Vertical Rotor (VTi 65) andcentrifuged at 65,000 rpm for 47 minutes (including acceleration anddeceleration) using a Beckman Coulter Optima XL 100 ultracentrifuge.

2. Apparatus

Particle concentration (in terms of moles of particles per unit volume)of separated lipoprotein classes and subclasses in the centrifugate weremeasured by using a working embodiment of the apparatus (referred to inthis example simply as “the apparatus”). The apparatus is be anautomated continuous flow through analysis system consisting of anautomated specimen rack moving system, a tube piercing needle that canbe automatically raised to pierce the tube, an end of sample draindetector, a sample valve that closes and opens automatically asprogrammed to facilitate the flow of sample from centrifuge tube, apiston pump to drain the sample from the centrifuge tube at apredetermined flow rate, a programmed pneumatic valve that allows theflow of baseline solution when sample is not flowing, a narrow bore (0.8mm internal diameter) Teflon™ tubing of a predetermined length (25inches) that connects the pump to the multi-angle laser light scatteringflow through detector (Wyatt Technology, Santa Barbara, Calif.) whichoutputs a light scattering signal proportional to the concentration oflipoprotein particles flowing through, an in line filter containing a100 nm pore-size filter to remove interfering blood components placedbetween pump and detector, and software (ASTRA) that continuouslycollects the digital signal from the detector as sample flows throughthe detector. The sample is run at a flow rate of 3 mL per minute, using25 inches of 0.8 mm Teflon™ tubing (resulting in a drain time of 1minute 45 seconds). As the separated lipoprotein particles flow throughthe flow cell of the detector a laser impinges on the particles. As aresult, they scatter light at various angles. The Wyatt instrument (DAWNHELEOS II) has 18 detectors (photodiodes) placed around the flow cellwhich collect signal from scattered light at their respective angles.The intensity of light is proportional to the type and number oflipoprotein particles flowing through. The signal is measured coming outof the detector placed at 90.degree. The method does not require anyreagent, as it depends upon the physical phenomenon of light scattering.Such embodiments of the method simplify the instrumentation as well asreduce the cost of analysis.

3. Analysis

As the separated lipoprotein particles (all lipoprotein particles areseparated based upon their density during ultracentrifugation with highdensity lipoprotein separating at the bottom of the centrifuge tube lowdensity lipoprotein in the middle and very low density lipoprotein atthe top) pass through the detector continuously during the draining ofcontents of centrifuge tube a continuous signal is obtained whichconsists of light scattering intensity peaks that correspond torespective lipoprotein classes and subclasses as shown in FIGS. 2-5, Thearea of each peak is proportional to the respective number of particlesof that lipoprotein per unit volume. Since the single vertical spindensity gradient ultracentrifugation does not provide fully resolved(base line separated) peaks, software deconvolutes the main continuoussignal output curve into its component peaks corresponding to differentlipoprotein peaks. Examples of deconvoluted profiles are shown in FIGS.8-11, as more fully explained above. The resulting profile has threemajor peaks for fractions of decreasing density going from left to right(as the time variable increases) corresponding to the HDL, LDL, andVLDL; and two minor peaks corresponding to LpA and IDL.

4. Instrument Calibration

In order to convert the area under each peak to a respective particlecount, the area for each lipoprotein fraction will be calibratedseparately. Lipoproteins are heterogeneous in terms of their physicalcharacteristics (such as size and shape) and their chemicalcharacteristics (such as composition), and thus the light scatteringfrom each class of lipoprotein is may differ. The HDL peak may containsignal interference to due to various other blood components such asserum albumin and other non-lipoprotein related proteins (see FIG. 12).Quantification of an analyte usually utilizes a known standard (i.e., asubstance with a known concentration of the analyte) to calibrate thesystem. Currently there are no commercially available lipoproteinstandards with known particle counts (number per volume or nM) nor arethere commonly accepted reference methods. In order to overcome thisproblem, apoB was used as a calibrator, due to the fact that eachatherogenic lipoprotein particle (LDL, VLDL, IDL, Lp(a) and theirsubclasses) contains only one molecule of apoB and thus if apoBconcentration is known in each atherogenic class of lipoprotein in agiven serum the concentration of particles is known. This principle wasused to calibrate the system for counting LDL particles. This will beachieved for other fractions by separating the lipoproteins intofractions using the ultracentrifugation procedure described above,collecting a fixed number of equal volume fractions in test tubes, andsubsequently analyzing apoB in each fraction using a standardizedimmunoassay method. To this end the Abbott Architect C8000 instrumentwas used, with an immunoassay available from Abbott Labs which has beenstandardized using WHO-International Reference Material (SP3-07) byparticipating in the Apolipoprotein Standardization Program by NorthwestLipid Metabolism and Diabetes Research Laboratories, University ofWashington, Seattle.

A serum volume appropriately adjusted to 1.21 g/mL was be used toachieve immunoassay-measureable concentrations of apoB (if present) inthe LDL fractions. Once the apoB concentrations are established in eachfraction collected, the apoB concentration of the peak corresponding toeach class of atherogenic lipoprotein will be calculated by adding theapoB concentration of each sub-fraction that constitutes that peak. Eachpeak area can then be calibrated with its corresponding apoBconcentration. A calibration curve can be prepared for each atherogeniclipoprotein class by repeating the above procedure with several serumsamples with increasing amounts of apoB. The slope and intercept of thiscalibration curve can be used to obtain apoB concentration ofatherogenic lipoprotein classes under testing for an unknown serumsample. The apoB concentration of peak for the atherogenic class oflipoprotein thus obtained can be converted to lipoprotein particleconcentration using the Avogadro constant (6.022.times.10.sup.23) andmolecular weight of the apoB molecule (550 kDa) since each atherogenicparticle contains only one molecule of apoB (one mole of any substancecontains 6.022.times.10.sup.23 particles).

The calibration curve for LDL was determined as described in theprevious paragraph using 6 serum samples with increasing apoBconcentrations.

FIG. 6 illustrates an actual calibration curve showing the relationshipbetween the peak area for the LDL fraction in a sample and the mass ofapoB in the LDL fraction of the sample. The samples in question were37.3 .mu·L human serum samples. The peak area represents thevolt-minutes under the peak obtained using a light scattering detectorafter the LDL fraction had been separated from the other serumcomponents by density-gradient centrifugation. ApoB mass in the LDLfraction was determined by commercial immunoassay. A least-squaresregression was calculated using the eight data points shown. Therelationship between the peak area for the LDL fraction in a sample andthe mass of apoB in the LDL fraction of the sample was calculated to be:y=1.76410⁻³ mg+(8.5210⁻⁴ mg V⁻¹ min⁻¹)xy=mass of apoB in the LDL peak (mg)x=LDL peak area (V*min)  Equation 1

Based on the calculated apoB mass and on the known sample volume, onecan then calculate the mass density of apoB in the sample. The molarityof apoB can be calculated based on the mass density apoB and the knownmolecular weight of apoB (5.5.times.10.sup.5 g mol.sup.−1). Because eachparticle of LDL contains exactly one apoB molecule, the molarity of LDLparticles (wherein the mole is used as a unit of quantity to be appliedto LDL particles) will be exactly the same as the molarity of apoB.

Based on eight samples the regression provides a correlation coefficientof 0.96.

The regression was then tested for robustness using 64 human serumsamples. FIG. 7 illustrates the relationship between the LDL particlecount calculated from scattered light using the regression presentedabove (Equation 1) and the mass density of apoB as determined bycommercial immunoassay. Each sample was separated into fractions usingdensity gradient centrifugation. The mass density of apoB was measuredin the serum by commercial immunoassay. The LDL particle count wasmeasured in the LDL fraction by light scattering; the peak area providedby the scatter counter was transformed according to Equation 1 tocalculate the LDL particle count, which was in turn used to calculateLDL particle count per unit volume by dividing the total particle countby the volume. The LDL peak area was subjected to deconvolution toresolve the LDL peak from any interfering peaks.

The results of the two methods were closely correlated. The best fitleast-squares regression obtained had a calculated correlationcoefficient of 0.953. This leads to the conclusion that light scatteringis as reliable as are immunoassays for enumerating LDL particles.

Baseline

Between the draining of two samples and prior to starting analysis astable and constant baseline should be achieved for quantification.Several different solutions are suitable, including water, saline, andvarious concentrations of Beckman's Cleanz™ solution. A stable andconstant baseline was achieved with a solution of 40% Cleanz v/v inwater.

Blank Spin

In order to assess interference due to solvents (KBr, saline, water,Cleanz™) and undissolved particles, a “blank” containing no serum (serumsubstituted with saline solution) was centrifuged and subjected to thelipoprotein counting protocol as described above. The blank profilessuggested a small drop in signal by KBr used for gradient preparationwhich was proportional to KBr concentration. Thus measurements from ablank run from the test sample were subtracted from the light scatteringmeasurements for the lipoprotein fractions to correct. This process isembedded in the deconvolution algorithm.

Controls

To monitor the stability of the signal from day to day three pooledserum samples with increasing LDL-R particle counts (obtained fromSolomon Park Research Laboratories, Seattle, Wash.) were run daily.

Precision

The precision of LDL particle counts was determined by preparing twopools of samples with normal and abnormal levels of LDL and performingthe test on both pools 32 times per day for 5 days. Two human serumsample pools (normal and high LDL concentrations) were prepared bymixing several samples with similar LDL cholesterol values. Lightscattering was measured in lipoprotein fractions that had been separatedby density-gradient centrifugation on 32 replicates of each pool eachday for 5 days. Within-day precision was calculated based on 32 aliquotsof each pool and total precision (all 5 days combined) is based on 160replicates of each pool. Coefficients of variation were calculated foreach atherogenic fraction based on each day's measurements and based onthe variation in measurements from day to day. The results are tabulatedbelow:

Lipoprotein Coefficient of Variation on Coefficient of VariationFraction a Given Day Between Days LpA 1.77-4.57% 4.13% LDL 1.28-2.16%1.79% IDL 1.73-6.00% 4.68% VLDL 2.90-5.63% 5.29%

The results indicate a high degree of precision for the embodiment ofthe method in question.

Exemplary Results

FIGS. 2-5 show the results of sample analysis using embodiments of themethod and apparatus. FIG. 2 shows a normal lipid profile, showing threewell-resolved peaks for the HDL, LDL, and VLDL fractions. FIG. 3 shows ahigh-LDL lipid profile, also showing three well-resolved peaks. FIG. 4shows a high-LpA lipid profile, in which the LpA peak falls between theHDL peak and LDL peak; as can be seen the LpA peak is quite visible, butnot completely resolved from the adjacent peaks. FIG. 5 shows a high-IDLlipid profile, in which a pronounced IDL peak falls between the LDL peakand VLDL peak.

F Conclusions

The foregoing description illustrates and describes the processes,machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings ofthe present disclosure. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describesonly certain embodiments of the processes, machines, manufactures,compositions of matter, and other teachings disclosed, but, as mentionedabove, it is to be understood that the teachings of the presentdisclosure are capable of use in various other combinations,modifications, and environments and is capable of changes ormodifications within the scope of the teachings as expressed herein,commensurate with the skill and/or knowledge of a person having ordinaryskill in the relevant art. The embodiments described hereinabove arefurther intended to explain certain best modes known of practicing theprocesses, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and otherteachings of the present disclosure and to enable others skilled in theart to utilize the teachings of the present disclosure in such, orother, embodiments and with the various modifications required by theparticular applications or uses. Accordingly, the processes, machines,manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the presentdisclosure are not intended to limit the exact embodiments and examplesdisclosed herein. It is to be understood that any given elements of thedisclosed embodiments may be embodied in a single structure, a singlestep, a single substance, or the like. Similarly, a given element of thedisclosed embodiment may be embodied in multiple structures, steps,substances, or the like. Any section headings herein are provided onlyfor consistency with the suggestions of 37 C.F.R. Section 1.77 orotherwise to provide organizational queues. These headings shall notlimit or characterize the disclosure set forth herein.

What is claimed:
 1. A method of measuring lipoprotein particle number ina sample from a subject, the method comprising: a. separating a LDLlipid fraction in the sample by centrifugation; b. introducing at leasta portion of the LDL lipid fraction into an apparatus comprising: i) aliquid conduit positioned to collect a portion of the LDL lipidfraction; ii) a sensor positioned proximate to the conduit, wherein thesensor measures a fluid property within the conduit, and wherein saidfluid property differs in air and in liquid; and iii) a light scatteringcounter positioned to receive the LDL lipid fraction from the conduit toprovide a measurement of light scattering in the LDL lipid fraction; andc. calculating a particle count for the LDL lipid fraction that is afunction of the measurement of light scattering.
 2. The method of claim1 further comprising: a. separating at least one additional lipidfraction in the sample by centrifugation; b. introducing at least aportion of the at least one additional lipid fraction into an apparatuscomprising: i) a liquid conduit positioned to collect a portion of theat least one additional lipid fraction; ii) a sensor positionedproximate to the conduit, wherein the sensor measures a fluid propertywithin the conduit, and wherein said fluid property differs in air andin liquid; and iii) a light scattering counter positioned to receive theat least one additional lipid fraction from the conduit to provide ameasurement of light scattering in the at least one of the lipidfraction; and c. calculating a particle count for the at least one lipidfraction, wherein the particle count is function of the measurement oflight scattering.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least oneadditional lipid fraction is selected from the group consisting of: aVLDL lipid fraction and a HDL lipid fraction.
 4. The method of claim 2,wherein the at least one additional lipid fraction is selected from thegroup consisting of: a IDL lipid fraction, a VLDL lipid fraction, a HDLlipid fraction and a Lp(a) lipid fraction.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the function is an approximately linear function.
 6. The methodof claim 1, wherein the centrifugation is density gradientultracentrifugation.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the sample iscontained in a sample vessel and the sample vessel is sampled from thebottom so as to collect the fractions in descending order of density. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein the sample is a blood serum sample.
 9. Anapparatus for quantifying lipoprotein particles in a lipid fraction, theapparatus comprising: a. a liquid conduit positioned to collect aportion of a sample contained in a sample vessel; b. a sensor positionedproximate to the conduit, wherein the sensor measures a fluid propertywithin the conduit, and wherein said fluid property differs in air andin liquid; and c. a light scattering counter positioned to receive thesample from the conduit.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprisinga pump configured to move the sample through the conduit to the counter.11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a valve positionedbetween the sensor and the pump on the conduit, configured to receive asignal from the sensor so as to assume a closed position if the sensordetects air.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a datalogger configured to receive measurement data from the light scatteringcounter.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9 comprising a filter in line withthe conduit and placed before the counter.
 14. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein the fluid property is selected from the group consisting of:thermal conductivity, electrical resistance, optical absorbance, andoptical diffraction coefficient.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9 comprisinga cleaning reservoir in fluid connection with the conduit and thecounter, configured to deliver a cleaning solution to the conduit andthe counter.
 16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the liquid conduitcomprises a sampling needle.